May 16, 2006
Jenna Hall, who holds nearly every Illinois offensive record, has signed a professional contract to play for the Philadelphia Force of the National Professional Fastpitch League.
"We were really taken with her love for the game," said Terri Adams Director of Player Personnel for the Force. "She hits for power and will be an imposing bat in our line-up. We were looking to solidify our first base position, and she has excellent defensive skills over there. We hope she'll help us bring the Cowles Cup to Philadelphia."
Hall, a graduate of Minooka High School, will be the fourth of USA Softball's 25 finalists for National Player of the Year to play for the club in 2006. She joins pitcher Stephanie VanBrakle of Alabama, outfielder Sarah Fekete of Tennessee, and catcher Haley Woods of California. Olympian Natasha Watley and Canada's top pitcher Lauren Bay, will also don the Force uniform this summer. Bay combined with Jennie Finch to form to an imposing 1-2 pitching combination for the Bandits last season.
Philadelphia is a new member into the league, which is now in its third year, joining the Akron Racers, the Arizona Heat, the Chicago Bandits, the Connecticut Brakettes, the New England Riptide, and the Texas Thunder. The Force will play 48 games starting May 31 at Akron. In addition to teams in the league, home games with the Chinese National Team are slated for June 21-24.
"Illinois gave me an unbelievable four years of experience," Hall said. "However, it's time to start a different chapter in my life. I really like the players I'll be surrounded with and the philosophy of the coaches. I'm excited to learn more about the game and raise my level of play even more."
Hall, who moved to Illinois to from New Jersey at the age of 12, is also looking forward to playing in front of a lot of family members as well.
Hall had one of the best years of anyone in the country, ranking second in the nation in batting average (.481) and fourth in slugging percentage (.847) while leading the nation in walks (60), good for a .651 on-base percentage. The most prolific slugger in Illinois history, Hall is Illinois' all-time leader in batting average (.357), home runs (33), RBI (142), slugging percentage (.580) and on-base percentage (.486).
Adams says that when selecting players, marketability was important in addition to natural talent and need. "Our fans will really love to watch and get to know Jenna Hall," she said.
Hall plans to return to Illinois in the fall to complete her degree and serve as graduate assistant coach for the Illini next season. For local fans wishing to see Hall play in person, the Force play the Bandits July 20-23 in Lisle, Ill.
Hall is the second former Illini to play professionally, joining Lindsey Hamma, who played for the Bandits last season.
